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Learning Preferences

Recognize Your Learning Style

Visual Learners

• Visualize what you are studying.
• Use color in your notes.
• Draw pictures and diagrams.
• Use mind maps in your notes.
• Learn from videos.

Auditory Learners

• Listen to recorded assignments.
• Read out loud.
• Discuss course concepts with classmates.
• Participate in class discussions.
• Listen to recorded subject material.

Hands-on Learners

• Stand up and move around while studying.
• Take frequent study breaks.
• Write things down while studying.
• Use the computer to reinforce learning.
• Be physically active and experiment with objects.
• Memorize or drill while walking or exercising.

Study Tips

When to Study

If you study when you are most awake and alert, you will be better able to absorb new information. Keep note cards handy for moments when you have extra time for even more study opportunities.

• Ask Questions – After each section, ask yourself if you understood what it was about.
• Divide and Conquer – Divide the chapter into more manageable chunks.
• Mark Text – Use highlighters or different colors for important parts of the text.
• No Skipping – Read all sidelines, captions, definitions, etc.
• Outline the Chapter – Create a chapter outline once you finish reading.
• Practice – Complete any practice tests included in the text.
• Preview the Chapter – Look at the headings, subheadings, topic sentences, bold and italicized words, pictures, diagrams, graphs, summaries, and review questions.

Reviewing Materials

Remember, repeated exposure to course materials will store the information in your long-term memory so you do not have to cram before a test.

• Daily – Review notes before and after class to reinforce learning.
• Weekly – Go over notes at the end of the week to refresh your memory.
• Pre-exam – Study for 3 to 5 hours with ten minute breaks every hour.

Organization Tips

Here are a few tips to help you manage your time, avoid clutter, set goals, and stay on an organized path to success.

1. Avoid Clutter – On the first day of class, create separate folders for each course to keep track of schedules, assignments, papers, etc.
2. Avoid Overload – Try not to overwhelm yourself with too many courses, extracurricular activities, and work responsibilities. Make sure you have adequate time to study and complete assignments.
3. Break Up Tasks – Manage large projects by separating it into smaller simplified stages.
4. Color Code – For additional clarity, use color-coding to identify types of activities: yellow for tests, green for study time, purple for social events, etc.
5. Create a Study Area – Designate a quiet, well-lit area for studying. Avoid any distractions such as TVs or chairs that are too comfortable that may cause drowsiness.
6. Don’t Rush – Wake up early and allow for more than enough time to get ready and arrive to class on time. Place your alarm clock at the far end of your room to avoid hitting the snooze button.
7. Get Plenty of Rest – A good night’s sleep will ensure you are alert and ready to learn.
8. Make To-Do Lists – Whether on paper or through an app, spend 15 minutes each day creating a To-Do List for the following day
9. Prepare Your Wardrobe – Before you go to bed each night, lay out your clothes for the next day to save time in the morning.
10. Reward Yourself – Create a reward for each time you complete a goal, such as a movie night, to keep yourself motivated throughout the semester.
11. Study Consistently – Avoid last minute cramming by scheduling consistent study times daily well in advance of an exam.
12. Use One Calendar – Whether digital or paper, only use one calendar for all of your academic and personal responsibilities to give yourself a complete picture of upcoming commitments.

Time Management

Procrastination is defined as putting off or avoiding a task that must be done. Excessive procrastination can result in guilty feelings, anxiety, and poor performance on the task.

Reasons for Procrastination

• Procrastination – A student’s standard of performance is so high that it seems impossible to complete the task.
• Fear or Failure – Fear or lack of confidence prevents a student from successfully accomplishing a task.
• Confusion – A student is unsure about how a task should be completed.
• Task Difficulty – A task is too difficult or a student lacks the ability to complete the task.
• Poor Motivation – A student has little or no interest in the task.
• Difficulty Concentrating – Distractions prevent a student from completing the task.
• Lack of Priorities – A student cannot determine which tasks are most important.

Tips for Overcoming Procrastination

1. Prioritize tasks in order of importance.
2. Commit yourself to completing a task once started, and reward yourself once complete.
3. Complete tasks during the time of day that you are most alert.
4. Break large tasks into smaller, more manageable parts.
5. Join a study group.
6. Make a schedule for completing tasks.
7. Set reasonable standards for completing a task
8. Take breaks to refresh your mind.
9. Tackle difficult or unpleasant tasks first.
10. Work in a quiet place without distractions.

Loss & Grief

Loss is an inevitable part of life, and grief is a natural part of the healing process. The reasons for grief are many, such as the loss of a loved one, the loss of health, or the letting go of a long-held dream. Dealing with a significant loss can be one of the most difficult times in a person’s life.

It is important to note that the grief process is not linear, but is more often experienced in cycles. Being patient with the process and allowing yourself to experience your unique feelings about the loss can help. If you feel stuck in your grief, talking to a counselor or a supportive person may help you move forward in the healing process.

If you are experiencing loss or grief, use the resources below or contact a counselor for help:

Types of Loss

• Loss of a close friend
• Death of a partner
• Death of a classmate or colleague
• Serious illness of a loved one
• Relationship breakup
• Death of a family member

Subtle Types of Loss

• Leaving home
• Illness/loss of health
• Death of a pet
• Job change
• Moving to a new home
• Graduation from school
• Loss of a physical ability
• Loss of financial security

Coping With Grief

Coping with Grief

Each one of us has an individual style of coping with painful experiences. Use this list to generate ideas about how to manage your feelings of grief:

• Talk to family or friends
• Seek counseling
• Read poetry or books
• Engage in social activities
• Exercise
• Eat healthy
• Seek spiritual support
• Take time to relax
• Join a support group
• Listen to music
• Be patient with yourself
• Let yourself grieve

Normal Grief Reactions

• Feeling like you are “going crazy”
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sadness or depression
• Irritability or anger (at the deceased, oneself, others, higher powers)
• Frustration or feeling misunderstood
• Anxiety, nervousness or fearfulness
• Feeling like you want to “escape”
• Guilt or remorse
• Ambivalence
• Feeling numb
• Lack of energy and motivation

Stress

Stress is the emotional and physical way in which our bodies respond to an external stress or fear. Stress may affect your ability to perform well academically. You may experience difficulty with concentration, memory, completing your work, or attending class.

College is a new and exciting time, but it can be overwhelming. Recognizing the sources of stress is important in preventing it from becoming unmanageable or debilitating. Causes of stress for college students include relationships, academic performance and unhealthy habits.

If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, use the resources below or contact a counselor for help:

Symptoms & Ways to Cope

• Stress in College: Common Causes
• 10 Relaxation Techniques
• Stress Management: Breathing Exercises

Learn More About Stress

• Causes of Stress
• Effects of Stress on Your Body
• Dealing with Stress
• Tips for Managing Stress
• When to Seek Help